VF-172 Fighter Squadron

Wayne J. Spence wrote on December 30, 2003

Email Update Needed

City and State: WILLOW SPRINGS MO

Unit: VF-172

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: There were 35 other planes accompanying the eight strike aircraft to drop bombs on the antiaircraft gunners to give us a chance to get the bridges. A high altitude photo plane, an F2H-2P was also along taking pictures of the raid and proving the damage on the bridges. This is the mission Michener used as a focus in his book. All eight pilots were recommended for the DFC. I have nearly completed a book on 30 years of Navy Aviation... will publish next year, entitled, "A New Look At Shorts"

Keywords: Michener's Book, "The Bridges At Toko-Re"
The Bridges were actually near Mai Jong Nei Mountain about 20 miles NE of Soeul, Korea.
I flew on that mission January 31, 1952 as one of eight pilots (four Pilots and planes on each of two bridges) in F2H-2 Banshee Aircraft.

Ralph Sluis wrote on June 24, 2002

Email Update Needed

City and State: NAPLES FL

Unit: VF-172

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Bluebolts
USS Essex, USS Coral Sea, USS Midway

Keywords: